Press release -
Hurtigruten Announces Partnership with Channel 4 for New Series ‘Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey’
London, UK (6 January 2026) – Hurtigruten, the leader in iconic Norwegian coastal voyages, is excited to reveal a new television partnership with Channel 4 on a three-part documentary series, ‘Lorraine Kelly’s Norwegian Odyssey’, airing from Thursday 15 January at 8pm.
From producers Captive Minds, the series follows Lorraine on an unforgettable journey along Norway’s breathtaking coast, visiting a selection of the 34 ports Hurtigruten cruises to year-round between Bergen and Kirkenes. The broadcaster and journalist travels the fjords to discover the dramatic landscapes, wildlife, food and culture of Norway, as she meets the people that are keeping the rich history of the country alive. Sailing north along the coast, Lorraine will see what natural beauty and wildlife the country has to offer, as well as sample a range of culinary or thrilling experiences before fulfilling a lifelong dream of witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights.
“This is a deeply personal journey for me, having grown up fascinated by Viking legends and stories. Norway’s history is so closely entwined with Scotland’s that it felt like stepping into those very stories. Boarding Hurtigruten’s ships and spending time with their knowledgeable Norwegian crew, who truly live and breathe this dramatic coastline, really brought Norway’s deep-rooted heritage to life. I loved discovering how the country’s mythical past continues to echo through this wild and spectacular land,” commented Lorraine Kelly.
To celebrate the launch of the series, Hurtigruten will introduce agent incentives for any bookings made while the episodes air, from 15 January to 29 January 2026. To qualify, bookings must be uploaded to the Hurtigruten Rewards platform, where agents will receive double points and be entered into a draw for the chance to win a roundtrip for two on the Original Coastal Express, including travel on their charter flights redeemable between October 2026 and February 2027.
Iain Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Hurtigruten said: “We’re delighted to partner with Channel 4 on this brand-new series and to offer our agent partners new incentives that bring them closer to the experiences on screen. For more than 130 years, Hurtigruten has been connecting people and communities along Norway’s coast, and this series celebrates that legacy while showcasing the beauty of the coastline we call home. It was equally rewarding to work with Lorraine, whose warmth, curiosity, and genuine love of travel make her the perfect guide to share Norway’s authentic, lesser-seen locations.”
Emma Hopkins, Partner Lab Leader at Channel 4 said: “We’re excited to partner with Hurtigruten on a beautiful series. I think this is a perfect example of linear branded entertainment as it seamlessly weaves the brand in with an engaging concept that will meet audience’s desire to explore everyday experiences and connect with personal stories.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Hurtigruten’s 2026 UK marketing plans, combining broadcast storytelling with a focus on responsible travel and authentic local experiences. To find out more about the series click here.
Topics
Since 1893, Hurtigruten has connected Norway’s coastal communities. They transport locals, cargo, and international guests to 34 ports along the legendary 12-day round trip between Bergen and Kirkenes - sailing what is often called ‘the world's most beautiful voyage’.
Today, their custom-built fleet offers authentic, immersive experiences, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of this stunning coastline and the communities that call it home.
Committed to setting a higher standard for more sustainable travel initiatives, their fleet includes four battery-hybrid powered ships, while they prioritise energy efficiency, responsible waste management and locally sourced ingredients. Through their ambitious Sea Zero project, Hurtigruten aims to develop their first ship that can sail emissions-free in normal operations on the Norwegian coast by 2030.
Hurtigruten operates year-round, offering two different experiences: the Original Coastal Express voyages and the premium, all-inclusive Signature voyages, dedicated to Svalbard (summer) and the North Cape (winter).